Latest news with #Congress-turned-BJP

Time of India

Fresh forgery probe begins against jailed BAP MLA over academic and marital records

Jaipur: The state govt Monday hinted at a high-level inquiry into fresh allegations against Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA from Bagidora, Jaykrisn Patel, over alleged forgery of academic and marital documents. Patel, who is currently lodged in jail in connection with the "cash-for-questions" scam, is accused of discrepancies in his election affidavit and educational records. According to officials, he declared himself unmarried in his 2023 election affidavit, while his 2018 ration card lists him as married—raising suspicions of document manipulation. With the forged marital status, he reportedly became a beneficiary under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in 2018. Congress-turned-BJP's tribal leader Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya claimed that Patel mentioned a BA degree from Calorx Teachers' University, Gujarat, in 2012, while in the same year, he also claimed to have graduated from Sikkim University. "How can he acquire two degrees—one from Gujarat and one from Sikkim—in the same year? It clearly proves fraudulent intent. I will write to the Speaker and the governor to take cognisance of the matter and disqualify him," said Malviya. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here To Read More - micro segmentation software Expertinspector Click Here Undo He earlier represented Bagidora before vacating the seat in 2023 after joining the BJP. Patel subsequently won the bypoll. Patel also claimed to have earned a degree from MDSU University, Ajmer, in 2014. Parliamentary Affairs minister Jogaram Patel said the fresh allegations were "serious in nature" and warranted a thorough investigation. "If the allegations are found to be true, it is a serious offence that could cost the MLA his membership. The govt will explore all legal avenues to ensure Patel is held accountable," said the minister. The BAP, which earlier aggressively defended its MLA, has now softened its stance, stating that "law will take its course." "Even we are shocked by the new allegations. All we can say is let law enforcement agencies do their job," said Rajkumar Roat, BAP founder and MP from Banswara. Responding to questions about how he was ignorant of Patel's marital status and alleged misuse of PMAY benefits when he considered him his close aide, Roat stated, "Our discussions were limited to the party's ideology and policies. We are first-generation politicians, and going forward, we will be more cautious in our choices." Attempts to reach Speaker Vasudev Devnani for comments were unsuccessful. The Congress, meanwhile, has adopted a "wait and watch" approach and has not officially responded to the fresh charges. The BTP currently holds four seats in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly and has been largely aligned with the Congress in recent sessions.